With the Champions League group stage starting seven days before and Liverpool's match with Boro falling four days before a Merseyside showdown with Everton, Rodgers could be tempted to run the changes for the league cup clash.

And yesterday the Reds chief confirmed that England striker Rickie Lambert will definitely start against Boro - provided he does not play in this weekend's Premier League match with Aston Villa.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers

Rodgers said: "Rickie has been very good since he's come in.

"He's working very well and if he doesn't get a start (against Aston Villa) he'll definitely start against Middlesbrough in the cup.

"His game-time will come."

Rodgers' admission suggests that Boro's defenders will not come up against new £16 million signing Mario Balotelli, while Daniel Sturridge may also miss the match after being ruled out for three weeks with a thigh strain.

Former Boro goalkeeper Brad Jones could be in line to play against his old side if first-choice stopper Simon Mignolet is rested, while the likes of Kolo Toure, Lucas Leiva, Joe Allen and Lazar Markovic could also feature.

Boro have confirmed this morning that there are around 600 tickets still on sale for the match at Anfield.